India Smash 256/4 as Abhishek, Pandya Unleash Six-Hitting Frenzy Against Zimbabwe

Chennai, Feb 2026 : India produced a breathtaking batting exhibition to pile up a colossal 256/4 against Zimbabwe in a must-win Super Eight clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Thursday. Powered by scintillating half-centuries from Abhishek Sharma and Hardik Pandya, the total marked India’s highest score of the tournament and the second-highest ever recorded in Men’s T20 World Cup history.

Zimbabwe skipper Sikandar Raza won the toss and chose to bowl, banking on early moisture in the surface to aid his seamers. The decision, however, proved disastrous as India’s batters tore into the attack from the outset, turning the contest into a one-sided spectacle. The defending champions hammered an astonishing 17 sixes in their 20 overs, setting a new tournament record and sending the Chennai crowd into raptures.

Sanju Samson, brought into the side to break India’s left-handed dominance at the top, set the tone immediately. He flat-batted a hard-length delivery from Richard Ngarava for six and followed it up by muscling Blessing Muzarabani over the ropes, signalling India’s aggressive intent. Samson raced to 24 off just 15 balls before his enterprising knock ended when he miscued an offcutter to deep midwicket.

At the other end, Abhishek Sharma gradually found his rhythm after a cautious start. A boundary off a no-ball from Tinotenda Maposa proved the spark he needed. From there, Abhishek unfurled a range of strokes—driving through the line, pulling with authority, and launching the ball over the leg side. He dispatched Brad Evans over cow corner and collected runs with ease as the field spread. Abhishek brought up a fluent half-century off just 26 balls, eventually scoring a classy 55 from 30 deliveries to anchor the innings.

Ishan Kishan complemented Abhishek well during a brisk stand. Kishan lapped Ngarava over fine leg and followed it up with a powerful pull, briefly threatening a big score himself. Although he enjoyed a slice of luck when dropped by Tashinga Musekiwa, Raza eventually had the final say as Kishan slashed a delivery straight to short third man.

Suryakumar Yadav walked in and instantly lifted the tempo with his trademark innovation. He swept Raza for four, carved Brad Evans over short third man, and punished Maposa with a towering six followed by a boundary. His brief but explosive stay kept the pressure firmly on Zimbabwe before he sliced Ngarava to deep cover.

The loudest cheers of the evening greeted Hardik Pandya’s arrival at the crease. Pandya wasted no time, launching Ryan Burl for a massive 89-metre six over long-on. With Abhishek departing after a sparkling knock, Pandya took complete control of the innings. His clean ball-striking and fearless approach ensured India never lost momentum in the death overs.

Tilak Varma proved to be the perfect foil for Pandya. Calm yet destructive, Tilak pierced gaps effortlessly and cleared the ropes with ease. The duo added a flurry of boundaries in the closing stages, plundering 11 fours and sixes between them. Pandya reached his unbeaten fifty off just 23 balls on the final delivery of the innings, while Tilak remained not out on a blistering 44 from only 16 balls.

India’s monumental total could not have come at a better time. After suffering a heavy defeat to South Africa earlier in the Super Eight stage, the team desperately needed a commanding performance to revive their net run rate and keep their semi-final hopes alive. The emphatic batting display has now put the onus squarely on India’s bowlers to dismiss Zimbabwe quickly and complete a comprehensive victory.

Brief scores:
India 256/4 in 20 overs (Abhishek Sharma 55, Hardik Pandya 50*; Sikandar Raza 1-29, Tinotenda Maposa 1-40) against Zimbabwe.